Construction
SH-9W Construction Starts Tomorrow, I-35 Delays Expected
2024-12-01
The first stage of the SH-9W construction is set to kick off tomorrow, December 2nd, precisely at 7:00 a.m. This significant undertaking will have a notable impact on the traffic flow in the area. During the construction period, SH-9W will be reduced to a single lane in each direction near I-35 in Goldsby, McClain County. The Oklahoma Department of Transportation has informed us that this construction work will persist daily throughout the entire month of December. As a result, drivers using I-35 are strongly advised to make appropriate plans to avoid potential delays on Monday mornings. For those seeking to stay updated with the latest local news directly in their inbox, we invite you to sign up for our daily newsletter by clicking here.

Why This Construction Matters

The SH-9W construction is not just a routine project; it holds great significance for the local community and commuters. This construction phase is a crucial step in improving the overall transportation infrastructure in the region. By narrowing the road to one lane in each direction, the construction team can carry out essential maintenance and upgrade work. These improvements will not only enhance the safety of the road but also contribute to a more efficient traffic flow in the long run. It is an investment in the future of the area, ensuring that commuters can navigate the routes with greater ease and confidence.

Impact on Daily Commutes

The reduction of SH-9W to one lane during construction will undoubtedly have a significant impact on daily commutes. Commuters who rely on this route will need to adjust their travel plans and allow extra time for their journeys. It is essential for drivers to be aware of the potential delays and plan accordingly. The Oklahoma Department of Transportation is working closely with local authorities to manage the traffic and provide timely updates to commuters. They have implemented various measures to minimize the disruption caused by the construction, such as setting up temporary traffic signals and providing detour routes. These efforts aim to ensure that the construction process proceeds smoothly while minimizing the inconvenience to the public.

Benefits of the Upgrades

Despite the temporary inconveniences during construction, the upgrades being made to SH-9W will bring numerous benefits to the community. The improved road surface will reduce wear and tear on vehicles, leading to lower maintenance costs for drivers. Additionally, the enhanced safety features, such as better signage and lighting, will make the road more secure for all users. These upgrades will also have a positive impact on the local economy by facilitating the movement of goods and services. With a more efficient transportation system, businesses can operate more smoothly, leading to increased productivity and economic growth. The long-term benefits of this construction project are far-reaching and will have a lasting impact on the region.
Actuarial Errors in Comp Ratings Hurt Construction Bids
2024-12-01
San Diego is witnessing a persistent issue where a decades-old actuarial calculation meant for determining an employer's workers compensation premium is being wrongly used as a safety record. This is having a significant impact on construction companies' ability to bid on projects. Sonja Guenther, senior vice president of IMA Financial Group Inc. based in Littleton, Colorado, highlighted this concern. She emphasized that the problem is especially concerning for high-risk industries as at least one-third of experience modification rating calculations for companies are erroneous. Guenther spoke at the International Risk Management Institute Inc.'s annual Construction Risk Conference in late October.

Understanding E-mods and Their Impact

E-mods, or EMRs, are multipliers used to adjust a company's workers comp premium based on past claims experience. An EMR below 1 indicates a company with below-average claims and leads to a discount, while an EMR above 1 indicates above-average claims and an additional charge. However, nuances and anomalies in data, such as a company's size or payroll crunch, can skew these numbers and result in a higher or lower score. For instance, in both energy and construction, the EMR gets unjustly used in bids to pre-qualify, leading to companies being disqualified from getting jobs even if their actual safety record is good. This is because the EMR is not truly a gauge of safety.Some states have regulations that can affect the data. For example, California excludes the first $250 of a claim from the EMR calculation to remove the incentive to not report small claims to insurers. In Colorado, vehicular accident comp claims are capped at $2,000, skewing the actual comp costs and showing employers paid less than they actually did. Employer size is another element that can positively affect the EMR as larger employers with higher payrolls have an advantage. Other factors unrelated to safety, such as the time a workers compensation policy or renewal goes into effect and claims closure data (often estimations), also go into the EMR calculation.The National Council on Compensation Insurance, which calculates rates for employers in 37 states, has taken the position that EMRs are not a company's safety record. In fact, two states in the last decade have prohibited the use of EMRs in the construction bidding process. Texas enacted a law in 2023 limiting their use, and Virginia did so in 2016. Workers comp rates are the only area where EMRs are intended to affect a company's bottom line as the score is used as a multiplier when setting rates, making a lower score advantageous.
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Construction on DigIndy Tunnel System Closes Arlington Ave for 4 Months
2024-12-01
In Indianapolis, a significant development is underway as Citizens Energy Group commences construction on the DigIndy Tunnel System. This will lead to a full road closure on part of Arlington Avenue. The closure begins just south of the Pleasant Run Pkwy N Drive intersection and is expected to last around four months. This poses a challenge for the local community but also presents an opportunity for the city's infrastructure improvement.

Experience the Impact of DigIndy Tunnel System on Arlington Avenue

Road Closure Details

The closure of Arlington Avenue is a crucial step in the construction of the DigIndy Tunnel System. It will allow for the necessary work to be carried out efficiently and safely. The starting point of the closure, just south of the Pleasant Run Pkwy N Drive intersection, is strategically chosen to minimize disruptions to the local traffic flow. The estimated duration of four months gives ample time for the construction to be completed without causing excessive inconvenience to the residents and commuters.

During this period, alternative routes have been posted to ensure that traffic can be diverted smoothly. The detour route uses Pleasant Run Pkwy N Drive, by way of Washington Street and Ritter Avenue. This provides a convenient alternative for those who need to travel through the area. Despite the road closure, access to local homes will still be maintained, ensuring that the residents' daily lives are not overly affected.

Impact on the Community

The road closure on Arlington Avenue will have a significant impact on the local community. It will bring about changes in traffic patterns and may cause some temporary inconveniences for the residents. However, it is important to view this as a part of the larger infrastructure development project that will benefit the city in the long run. The DigIndy Tunnel System is expected to improve the efficiency of the city's transportation network and provide better services to the residents.

Local businesses along Arlington Avenue may also experience some disruptions during the construction period. However, efforts will be made to minimize these impacts and support the local economy. The construction team will work closely with the community to ensure that any concerns are addressed and that the construction process is carried out in a coordinated and respectful manner.

Benefits of the DigIndy Tunnel System

The DigIndy Tunnel System is a major infrastructure project that holds great promise for Indianapolis. It will provide a more reliable and efficient transportation option for the city, reducing traffic congestion and improving air quality. The tunnel system will also enhance the city's resilience in the face of natural disasters and other emergencies.

By providing an alternative transportation route, the DigIndy Tunnel System will help to ease the pressure on the existing road network and improve the overall mobility of the city. This will have a positive impact on the economy, as it will make it easier for businesses to operate and for people to get around. Additionally, the tunnel system will contribute to the city's sustainability efforts by reducing carbon emissions and promoting a more environmentally friendly mode of transportation.

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